Tin Packs Under Fire

Tobacco companies fell under fire for tin cigarette packs they released shortly before the date when retailers could no longer sell branded cigarette packets, as a 12-month grace period to allow tobacco firms to phase out old cartons came to an end, with critics accusing them of trying to sidestep the law.

Leading up to the change, Philip Morris distributed tin containers which were the same size as a 10-pack to stores around the country. The tins, which were available at chains including Sainsbury’s, Londis, and Budgens, were printed with Marlboro branding, and featured deterrent pictures and the message “Smoking kills”.

Labor MP for Stockton North, Alex Cunningham, also a vocal campaigner for plain packaging, said the move appeared to be a ploy to prolong the visibility of Marlboro’s brand in the UK. Philip Morris said that it had manufactured the tins before May 20, 2016, which was the cutoff date after which tobacco companies could no longer produce branded packs, and that only a small number were distributed and stocks would be depleted by the deadline this May when plain packaging laws came into force.

JTI Gallaher had also manufactured tin containers for its Benson & Hedges, Mayfair, and Camel brands in the period leading up to the change, and faced similar criticism. JTI said that it had last offered the tins in the UK last year.